Helping hands at Christmas
Christmas, though considered the most joyful time of the year, can mean very different things to different people. Family and individual stress levels may rise throughout the Christmas season.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Tammy Radford said, “Council and local service providers are aware that reports of homelessness, family violence, relationship conflict, and isolation are high over this period. However, there are strong supports within the Cardinia community to assist you through this Christmas period, but there are also services available to provide you with ongoing, free, independent, and non-judgmental assistance with financial difficulties.”
We’ve worked together to compile a list of other services available that people may find useful if they’re experiencing financial or social difficulties. The list, found on Council’s website, includes Christmas meals and food packages available and how to register for hampers if you need additional support.
Help is at hand
Contact your local Financial Capability Worker to better understand money management, budgeting, help in accessing utility or telco hardship programs and how to access safe, no-interest loans for essential items. Contact Romy Prins Financial Capability Worker for the South East of Melbourne T: 0421 644 793 E: financialcapabilitysouth@goodshep.org.au
If you have already found yourself in debt or financial difficulty, make an appointment with your local Financial Counsellor either online or in person by calling South East Community Links on 03 9549 5288 or by emailing fcs@secl.org.au
Council’s online directory lists a broad range of community support services available for Cardinia Shire residents. This is available in 11 languages, to support our diverse community.
Salvation Army will provide a Community Christmas meal on Sunday 25 December, as part of their Christmas Cheer program. You can call to register from December 1 by calling 5941 4906. The Bless Collective will provide their community Christmas Meal from Bourke Park Pakenham on Thursday 22 December from 6pm.
Good Shepherd have prepared some handy budget tips for all households at Christmas: Handy budget tips to help your family this Christmas – Good Shepherd.
The Christmas Support list can be accessed at: www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/christmassupport